"Nobody's Perfect" But Miley Certaintly Comes Close

Miley Cyrus: so young, so famous, so charitable. Miley Cyrus, or more commonly known as Hannah Montana, is a pop singer sensation, acclaimed actress, charity founder, and only sixteen years old. Most teenagers are worrying about driver’s licenses and school dances at the age of sixteen, but Miley Cyrus is driving around the nation touring and dancing in concerts. Named the richest kid in the world by People magazine, Cyrus focuses on maintaining her number one spot on Billboard’s Top 200 albums, the rumors created by tabloids, her singer/actress career, and what to do with all of her money. At the age of sixteen, Cyrus does it all.

Cyrus uses her musical talent in order to help children who suffer from illnesses. Through the organization Musicians on Call Cyrus performs for children in hospitals at their bedside in order to bring them happiness, hope, and some entertainment. Furthermore, Cyrus performed in a benefit concert in which proceeds were given to this organization. Another organization that Cyrus devotes her musical talent to is City of Hope. This is an institution that is dedicated to cancer prevention, cure and treatment research. Back in 2008, Cyrus performed at a concert with The Jonas Brothers that benefited City of Hope. In addition, for every Hannah Montana concert ticket that was sold, Cyrus donated one dollar to the organization.

Beyond donating to and performing for organizations, Cyrus recently created a family organization of her own: The Pappy Cyrus Foundation. Pappy, Cyrus’ grandfather, passed away a few years ago due to lung cancer. The foundation uses its funds to support various charities in the United States that provides children with health care, education, and community support. Cyrus has taken an active stance in raising money for the foundation by auctioning off an evening with her as well as items from Cyrus’ wardrobe, autographed head shots, and autographed movie posters. And, of course, all proceeds go to the foundation.

At the age of sixteen, many may wonder how does she do all this? How is this teenager able to manage a million-dollar career, school work, a social life, paparazzi and still have time to devote to charity? If anyone has the answer, please let me know so I can be the next super teen. But, more importantly, the question that runs through my head is why? Why does Miley Cyrus devote her time and money to charity? While we may also never know the answer to this question, it is something worth pondering. As a teenager, we all know that peer pressure exists: peer pressure to wear the “cool” clothes, do drugs, and break rules. Is it possible that Miley Cyrus is experiencing peer pressure in the form of what other celebrities are doing? Why Cyrus does her charity work can be attributed to the fact that other celebrities are doing it, and thus she must keep up with them, no matter how busy her schedule is. Conversely, the answer to this question, why, can be out of mere generosity. It could be that Cyrus genuinely enjoys helping others, raising money for charity, and using her talent for the better. Whatever Cyrus’ motives, helping others is always a good thing to do with your time. And hey, “Nobody’s perfect!”

Posted by Stephanie Cantor